A series of sheep shearing workshops in the South West will equip farmers with a plethora of practical technique and equipment advice as the shearing season nears.

Cox and Ritchey, part of the Allflex UK Group Ltd, has teamed up with Heiniger to host the free-to-attend workshops, which have been designed to provide practical advice to young shearers, semi-professional and professional contract shearers and sheep farmers.

Each event will be delivered by Selwyn Williams, R&D Manager for Heiniger, with additional input from Cornwall-based sheep farmer Matt Smith, the 2016 World Nine Hour Strongwool Ewe shearing champion and Farmers Weekly Sheep Farmer of the Year 2017.

Matt Smith during his nine hour full wool ewe shearing record attempt in 2016

“Choosing the right equipment and ensuring it is properly maintained is vital to the safe and efficient shearing of sheep,” explains Ian Chapman, Marketing Executive for Allflex UK Group Ltd, the UK importer and distributor of Heiniger shearing equipment.

“We’ve therefore teamed up with Heiniger and three well-known companies in the South West to host a second series of our popular shearing workshops.

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“The sole aim of these workshops is to help improve a shearers’ knowledge, thus making the shearing season more efficient, more productive, more profitable and safer for novice and experienced shearers and farmers.”

The dates and venues of the South West shearing workshops are as follows:

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The three workshops, part of a series of seven events being held across the UK, will focus on several key elements aimed at improving delegates’ shearing knowledge, including: selecting the right equipment and correct plant setup; clipper and blade maintenance; grinding and sharpening combs and cutters for optimum performance and lifespan.

Stock image of sheep grazing

Matt Smith will also be discussing the importance of health, nutrition and fitness, all of which are essential to a successful career in shearing.

Refreshments will be available at each workshop, but places are limited. If you would like to attend, please contact the relevant host to reserve your place: Dan Miles (Harpers Farm Supplies) on 07976 627014, Sam Tanner (Tanner Trading) on 01579 321703 or Andrew Mudge (George Mudge & Co) on 01822 615456.